Job Description

Job Summary

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Process Development Engineer Intern to join our R&D Engineering team for Summer 2026. In this role, you will gain hands-on experience in a variety of glass manufacturing processes which are used for development of specialty optical fibers, work alongside industry professionals, and support the development, optimization, and continuous improvement of advanced optical fiber manufacturing processes.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Become familiar with optical fiber fabrication techniques used at Coherent, including glass fabrication via Modified Chemical Vapor Deposition (MCVD) and fiber production via thermal Draw process.
• Become familiar with overall manufacturing floor process flow, including how materials and work-in-progress move through production, in order to better support process development and improvement efforts.
• Apply theoretical and analytical tools in order to analyze, improve or develop novel fiber manufacturing processes.
• Use well balanced experimental and theoretical approaches to problem solving and product development. Work with cross-functional technical teams.
• Assist in planning and executing experiments to evaluate process changes, materials, and operating conditions.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret process and product data to identify trends, variation, and improvement opportunities.
• Prepare technical summaries and present findings to engineering and site leadership as needed.

Education & Experience

•  • Education Level Required: Bachelor's 
•     If bachelor’s is ok: Please indicate preferred year:
•       x Rising Junior (completed 2 years by start)
•       x Rising Senior (completed 3 years by start)
•  • Majors: Materials Science, Ceramics, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or other Engineering related degree.
•  • Relevant coursework or extracurricular experience in materials processing, heat transfer, glass science, or manufacturing systems is a plus.
•  • Open to currently enrolled students or those who have graduated within one year of the internship start date.

Skills & Other Requirements

• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Team-oriented but able to work independently when needed.
• Adaptable and eager to learn in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail and time management.
• Hands-on experience operating equipment and tools.
• Ability to learn technical manufacturing processes quickly and apply engineering principles in a hands-on production environment.
• Proficiency with standard desktop software (Outlook, Word, Excel). Experience with data analysis tools such as Excel, JMP, MATLAB, or Python is a plus.
• Internship Duration: 10 – 14 weeks.
• At Coherent, interns are valued members of our team and have the opportunity to make meaningful contributions from day one. In addition to hands-on project experience, our internship program includes opportunities to connect with fellow interns and colleagues across the organization through virtual and in-person networking events, team-building activities and more. Interns are expected to actively participate in these events as part of their professional development and to fully immerse themselves in our collaborative and innovative culture.

Working Conditions

• This role will be based on-site in East Granby, CT.
• Regular use of a computer and other office equipment is necessary.
•  

Physical Requirements

• Sitting for extended periods while working on a computer or in meetings.
• Use of hands and fingers for typing, writing, and handling documents.
• Occasional lifting of objects or materials up to 20 pounds for administrative tasks.
•  Ability to communicate verbally and in writing.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, cleanroom gowns, gloves, hearing protection, and safety shoes as needed.

Safety Requirements

All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. EHS standards.

Quality & Environmental Responsibilities

Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.

Culture Commitment

Ensure adherence to company’s values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent Corp.:

Integrity – Create an Environment of Trust

Collaboration – Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas

Accountability – Own the Process and the Outcome 

Respect – Recognize the Value in Everyone

Enthusiasm – Find a Sense of Purpose in Work

Coherent Corp. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at [email protected].

ABOUT US

Coherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard-work through a competitive compensation program. It's an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers stability, longevity and growth. Come Join Us!

Note to recruiters and employment agencies: We will not pay for unsolicited resumes from recruiters and employment agencies unless we have a signed agreement and have required assistance, in writing, for a specific opening.